Zak Brown Claims Red Bull is 'Afraid' of Max Verstappen, Operating as His 'Own Little Empire'

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly stated that Red Bull Racing appears "afraid" of Max Verstappen, suggesting the team has become "subservient" to the four-time world champion. Brown's comments imply that Verstappen has created his "own little empire" within Red Bull, where the car is tailored to his preferences, and team decisions, such as driver selection, prioritize his satisfaction.

Why it matters:

Zak Brown's outspoken remarks highlight a perceived power dynamic at Red Bull that could impact team strategy, driver development, and the overall competitive balance in Formula 1. If Red Bull is indeed overly focused on a single driver, it could limit their flexibility and risk future talent development, potentially affecting their long-term dominance as F1 approaches significant regulation changes in 2026.

The details:

• Verstappen's Dominance: Since his first title win in 2021, Verstappen has won 58 out of 111 races, cementing his status as one of F1's top drivers.
• Current Standings: Despite his past success, Verstappen is currently third in the 2025 F1 standings, trailing McLaren's Lando Norris by 49 points and Oscar Piastri by 24 points with three races remaining.
• Teammate Struggles: Verstappen has scored almost all of Red Bull's points this season (all but 25), with teammates Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda struggling to match his pace in the RB21 car. This disparity fuels the argument that the car is heavily optimized for Verstappen's driving style.
• Brown's Criticism: In his new book, Seven Tenths of a Second, Brown claims Red Bull is "afraid" of Verstappen. He cites the team's decision to overlook Carlos Sainz for a 2025 seat as evidence that they prioritize a second driver who won't challenge Verstappen.
• One-Man Team: Brown explicitly states, "Everyone seems to be subservient to him. Everyone seems to be afraid of him." He believes Red Bull is willing to become a "one-man team" to keep Verstappen happy, a philosophy he rejects for McLaren.
• Horner's Departure: Brown's comments also touch upon Christian Horner's departure as Team Principal in July, which occurred amidst rumors of Verstappen potentially moving to Mercedes for the 2026 season. Verstappen, however, denied having any influence on Horner's exit.

The big picture:

This season marks a shift in the competitive landscape, with McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri currently leading the championship. Brown's comments suggest that Red Bull's potential over-reliance on Verstappen could be a strategic vulnerability, especially as other teams, like McLaren, demonstrate a more balanced and competitive driver lineup. The internal dynamics at Red Bull could prove critical as they navigate future regulations and ongoing championship battles.

What's next:

With the final triple-header of the season approaching in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, all eyes will be on Verstappen's performance and Red Bull's overall strategy. The debate over Red Bull's team structure and its impact on performance will likely continue into the 2026 season, especially if McLaren maintains its current competitive edge and Verstappen's teammates continue to struggle. Brown's insights could also pressure Red Bull to re-evaluate its approach to driver development and team dynamics to ensure long-term success beyond a single dominant driver.